Vinnytsia National Medical University

Department of Foreign languages

Epithelial tissue
Performed by student of 1st course 12a
group
Medical faculty №1
Anastasia Kozytska
VINNYTSIA-2024
 Epithelial tissue
Epithelial tissue is a highly cellular tissue that
overlies body surfaces, lines cavities, and forms
glands.
In addition, specialized epithelial cells function
as receptors for special senses (smell, taste,
hearing, and vision).
Epithelial cells are numerous, exist in close
apposition to each other.
 Cell surfaces
The cells of epithelial tissue have three types of surfaces
differentiated by their location and functional specializations:
basal, apical, and lateral.
The basal surface is nearest to the basement
membrane. The basement membrane itself
creates a thin barrier between connective
tissues and the most basal layer of epithelial
cells.

Apical cell surfaces may display specialized

extensions. Microvilli are small processes
projecting from the apical surface to increase
surface area. They are heavily involved in
microvilli diffusion
 Cilia are small processes found in the respiratory tract and female reproductive tract. Their complex
structure facilitates movement that brushes small structures through the lumen of either the trachea or
Fallopian tubes.
cilia

The lateral surfaces of epithelial cells are

located between adjacent cells. The most notable
lateral surface structures are junctions. Adhering
junctions link the cytoskeleton of neighboring
cells to produce strength in the tissue.
The structure of epithelial cells
Like all other cells, epithelial cells are
enclosed within a cell membrane. Each
cell has one cell nucleus and several
organelles, including mitochondria,
endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes,
Golgi apparatus, peroxisomes, and
lysosomes.
 Types of epithelia
In general, epithelial tissues are classified by the number of layers, the
cell shape, and the function of the cells.
 Function
Some unique epithelial tissues are categorized by their special functions,
including Transitional (can become flattened when stretched), Glandular (can
secrete substances and form the glands), Mucous (can produce
mucus), Serous (lines the body cavities), and Olfactory (involves in the sense of
smell).

Epithelium can have one or a combination of the following functions: protection,

secretion, absorption, exchange of substances,
excretion, sensation.
 Used sources
1. https://rsscience.com/epithelium/
2. https://www.kenhub.com/en/library/anatomy/introduction-to-
tissues-epithelial-connective-muscle-and-nervous-tissue
Thank you for your attention!